80/20 Rule for Better Bass Lines

Learn the secret 80/20 bass rule that will forever change the way you write bass lines!
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SCRIPT
Right, so here’s what a regular bass line sounds like, and this was written in the same way that most bass lines are written these days. It’s in the key of A minor, so that’s all the white notes from A to A, and the chords are: Am→Em→Cmaj→Dsus2. Now, because most songwriters and producers don’t know about the secret 80/20 bass rule, most bass lines nowadays simply copy the chord progression by playing the root note of each chord. So in the example you just heard, the bass copied the chords by playing: A→E→C→D. But, that is not a bass line, that is merely the root note of each chord. And that is not a musical approach to bass, it’s a sonic approach, because the bass is so boring that it actually blends into the background and is heard as a frequency, not an instrument!
When we approach bass from a musical perspective, we realise that it obviously wants (and deserves) its own melody. However, this is where we run into the bass paradox: To give the bass an independent melody, it needs to venture off the root note of each chord, but if it does that, then it takes away the music’s stability as it’s no longer providing a solid foundation for the other instruments. So, how can you write a bass line that’s both a solid foundation and also an independent melody? That’s where the 80/20 bass rule comes in. It’s so simple: it is the percentage of time spent on root notes versus the percentage of time spent on other notes.
Root notes in the bass build a solid foundation, but it’s the non-root notes that transform the bass into an independent melody. This is the magic bass balance. Get it right, and your bass lines are pure magic! Get it wrong, and it could literally ruin your whole song. If your bass spends too much time on root notes, it’ll be nothing more than a frequency. On the other hand, if your bass spends too much time on non-root notes, it’ll step forward into the spotlight like a diva and start stealing attention from your lead melody. Remember, the spotlight is only big enough for one!
So, what’s the perfect ratio? 80% roots, 20 % non-roots. And obviously every song is different, and every section within every song is different, but the 80/20 rule will ensure that every bass line you write starts out in the sweetspot, then you can adjust the percentage up or down, depending on what the other instruments are doing. For example, if there isn’t a lead melody in a section, then there’s space for your bass to step forward and take the spotlight, without any musical fights! However, if a section has a lead melody and a backing melody, then your bass should definitely spend a little more time on root notes, for extra stability. In our example, our bass line is 81% root notes and 19% non-root notes. And of course, you don’t actually have to calculate the exact percentage, just get it somewhere in the 80/20 sweetspot. And by the way, if you want our step-by-step guide for writing great bass lines, then download our Songwriting & Producing PDF, which also contains all our other essential music making hacks.
Finally, let’s talk about those non-root notes. There are three possibilities for these: harmonic notes, non-harmonic notes, and non-diatonic notes. Harmonic notes are notes that are in the chord. For example, over the Am chord, the harmonic notes are A, C and E. And A is obviously the root, so the options are C and E. Next, non-harmonic notes are notes that are not in the chord, but are still in the scale. So over the Am chord, the non-harmonic notes are B, D, F and G. Then lastly, non-diatonic notes are not in the chord either, but they’re not even in the scale. These notes are super spicy, so in the same way that you don’t add chili peppers to every meal, you don’t wanna add non-diatonic notes to every bass line. In our example, we do actually play a non-diatonic note (C♯) under every other Dsus2 chord. But, it’s just a 1/16 note.
ABOUT
Hack Music Theory is a pioneering DAW method for making great music that stands out! Taught by multi-award-winning music lecturer Ray Harmony, and his protégé wife Kate. Ray has been teaching music theory for 25 years, and along the way he's made music with Serj Tankian (System Of A Down), Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine), Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree), Devin Townsend (Strapping Young Lad), Ihsahn (Emperor), Kool Keith (Ultramagnetic MCs), Madchild (Swollen Members) and many more!
COPYRIGHT
© 2020 Revolution Harmony
Revolution Harmony is Ray Harmony & Kate Harmony
All content (script & music) in video by Revolution Harmony

[@HackMusicTheory]

►Online Courses: HackMusicTheory.com/Courses

[@sxvxgebeatz]

Hack Music Theory , Hello how are you both ? Hope this finds y’all doing well. I just stumbled upon your channel and instantly subscribed, love the content and positive vibes. 1 Question I’m hoping you can help me with, what’s the best FL Studio stock plugin for creating that great sub bass like you had in this video. Thanks in advanced and stay healthy and Blessed.

[@HackMusicTheory]

@@sxvxgebeatz Hey hey! Hope this finds you and your family all safe and healthy in these challenging times. Thank you sincerely for your kind comment and for subscribing, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community, we really appreciate you being here! Regarding stock plugins. I'm afraid we don't use FL Studio, so we can't help you there. However, hopefully someone in the community who uses FL Studio will see your question here and jump in with an answer! Thanks again for stopping by and connecting, and we hope to see you again soon :)

[@gorkemgulan]

The Phoenix Project not sure about stock plugin but as 3rd party bass station novation would be my suggestion. The original is designed by the guys who made the legendary wasp so its a decent bass house hence the name ✌🏼✌🏼 another good option would be moog: model d, animoog... classic. Wide spectum from glassy to warm. Animoog is madness with isotropic engine and an xy pad with many morphing options and expressive keypad. Comes as an ios app but hope also is a vst.

[@squid-boy4178]

As a Bass player just playing the root actively pains me.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Thanks for watching and connecting, Squid-Boy, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you play? Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@DevinJuularValentine]

I actually find it harder to remember just root notes than something FUN to play!

[@Itaketoomanypics]

@@DevinJuularValentine story of my life

[@bassplayinfool]

It's all about that basso continuo

[@kaustik185]

"the same way you don't add chili peppers to every meal" watch me sprinkle my ice cream, mortals

[@HackMusicTheory]

...hmmm... what flavour of ice cream are you adding these chili peppers to?

[@kaustik185]

@@HackMusicTheory I was joking but I bet it goes great with vanilla and if I wasnt lactose I tolerant I'd try.

[@professorpancakes6545]

Mmm nice!

[@Sensenwerk]

@@HackMusicTheory I am sure dark chocolate would eactually work sometimes. ;)

[@HackMusicTheory]

Lol, KAUSTIK, I was thinking that vanilla might work :) @Sensenwerk Yes, chocolate! Isn't Chili Chocolate already a thing?

[@rickroche8860]

In my experience, some bass players need their own bass player to support their wandering "improvisations"!!!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Haha, Amen to that Rick! Thanks for stopping by, and stay safe :)

[@tanglewife]

Yeah, they're usually the ones that start off as guitarists and go into with this "oh bass only has 4 strings, it's like an easy guitar" attitude, and completely miss the point of the bass. Grinds my gears!

[@denisblack9897]

@@tanglewife lol, that's me)) it definately helps to know how to shred when things go south

[@blackdog6969]

As a metal muso that usually keeps it melodic, this was actually something that I really needed to know. Bass for my writing was usually all roots but I knew it needed some spice. Most of the time it was too much "spice". The whole 80/20 thing makes a lot of sense and I'll try to give an update when I start recording again

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey hey Ryan, great to hear from you again! We hope this finds you well in these difficult times :) It always makes us happy to know that our hacks are helping musicians, and this one is especially tasty! We hope to see you around soon for more theory hacks, and until then, take care :)

[@SeeMick1]

Can't argue with a guy who literally has piano keys on his neck

[@HackMusicTheory]

Lol, thanks for stopping by Conor, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make? Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@geoffstockton]

This is definitely a great concept to cover. I also have a sliding ratio concerning notes vs. rests with bass lines depending on the style of song.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey Geoff, thanks so much for stopping by! Hope this finds you happy and healthy :)

[@ballantynedewolf]

Roots reggae is best example of this - very tactical use of the one.

[@aakash9058]

This is the best music theory channel on KZbin. Period. Thank you for your hard work.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Awww thank you sincerely, Aakash, that means the absolute world to us! We're so happy that you find our teachings helpful, and we're super grateful to have you here in the Hack Music Theory community! By the way, if you haven't already, please help yourself to our free book, here: hackmusictheory.com/books . Thanks again Aakash, and we hope this finds you safe and healthy :)

[@johnathantidwell7299]

facts

[@elkabeatz135]

💯 agree

[@denisblack9897]

true story

[@VoyivodaFTW1]

That baseline is spicy af tho 🔥🔥🔥

[@Villanotrh]

The most wholesome music theory channel on youtube

[@lordgreenmusicofficial]

I love the comparison of treating the bass as just a frequency vs treating as it's own instrument. I went and changed the bassline to my current project with the 80/20 rule and the low end just came alive, thanks guys 💪🏽🔥

[@HackMusicTheory]

Yes, Lord Green, that's awesome!! Wishing you a happy weekend :)

[@lordgreenmusicofficial]

@@HackMusicTheory you too!

[@hiramgonzalez8693]

This is one of the best tips I have heard regarding creating bass lines! Great job!

[@HackMusicTheory]

We're pumped enjoyed this one, Hiram! Hope this finds you happy and healthy, and we look forward to hearing from you again soon :)

[@fuquantiegermann3776]

So, I recently started making music again after almost 10 years hiatus and this pops up in my recommended... Needless to say, I welcome it enthusiastically! Finally it won't just be complete randomness that sounds "kinda good" :D Thank you!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Welcome back to music making, Fuquan Tiegermann, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make? Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@gregthejones]

Music is the highest form of magic. Thanks for sharing this technique. I needed it as I finish these songs I am working on. The bass lines have been difficult on a few of them.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey hey Greg, great to hear from you again, we're happy to hear this one hit the spot! Thanks big time for being in the Hack Music Theory community, and we wish you all the best finishing your songs!

[@u-kugroove5079]

This is one of those things I know I need to do, and mostly I accomplish it. But never thought of it in simple 80/20! Nice explanation and example!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey hey, U-ku Groove, thanks so much for stopping by, we're pumped to hear you enjoyed this one :) Hope this finds you happy and healthy!

[@VioletteLani]

This changed the way I write and produce!! Songs with a base using the 80/20 rule are so much more funkier and fun to dance to!! I can't believe I haven't found you guys sooner! Thank you so much for this video, and I just subscribed so I can get many more :)

[@HackMusicTheory]

Awesome! We're thrilled to hear you've unlocked the funky dance vibes in your bass, Violette! A very warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make? Take care and have a lovely weekend, Kate :)

[@VioletteLani]

@@HackMusicTheory I write my own music, and so far I would say it sort of fits into the pop rock genre...but I have always thought my base line could be so much cooler...thanks to you guys, I have the solution XD

[@HackMusicTheory]

Cool, thanks for sharing, Violette! We really appreciate you being here, and are cheering you on in your music making journey! Have a great week :)

[@VioletteLani]

@@HackMusicTheory You too! If you ever have time, I would love some critique on my music from you guys :) Thank you again :)

[@josephnero2548]

I struggled to make basslines lately. I am glad I watched this video; it was helpful!

[@888berg]

You guys are so lovely, please keep this stuff up and wish you every success!!!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Awww, you're too kind, 888berg! Thank you big time for being in the Hack Music Theory community, you are truly appreciated. Hope this finds you happy and healthy :)

[@tonysansom]

Love your hacks: simple yet inspiring! Thanks!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aw thanks Tony, that's very kind of you! We're so happy to hear that you find our hacks simple yet inspiring, that's exactly what we're going for! A warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community, we're stoked and grateful to have you here! Hope this finds you safe and healthy :)

[@dagmawikassahun1020]

I’ve been changing rapidly bro!!! You guys are the best ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@mariusztokarzewski426]

Great content, can't wait to dig into more of it.

[@jpsilver4995]

keep em coming guys, love your work!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey hey JP, great to hear from you again! Hope you are happy, healthy and making lots of music! We really appreciate you being in the Hack Music Theory community :) We'll be posting a new lesson next week, so stay tuned!

[@reaktiv1408]

Such an useful tip, thanks for the crystal clear explanation! Stay safe and keep up the good work! Greets from France

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aww merci beaucoup ReAKTIV! As always, we really appreciate you being here in the Hack Music Theory community! We hope this finds you safe and healthy in France :)

[@rockereivanivan]

This channel makes me feel challenged to write better bass lines, love it!!!!

[@gonzalo6890]

This is the music theory advice that I've been looking for!! Great channel

[@HackMusicTheory]

Yay, happy to hear it, Gonzalo, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make? Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@JayD01234]

Man I can't tell you how much I enjoy your channel. How can I not love it. Thank you so much

[@HackMusicTheory]

Wow, Jay D, we really love your enthusiasm, thanks for letting us know! Also, a very warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community :) By the way, what kind of music do you make? Take care, and see you again soon for more theory hacks!

[@loveloss8590]

You guys are frickin awesome - love the channel but also love your genuineness as people

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hi Love & Loss, so lovely to see you again!! How's it going? How's your music making? Thanks big time for being a part of the Hack Music Theory community, we really appreciate you!

[@Marxlrose]

So many of your videos are so pertinent it feels like you are creating them specially for me :) Thanks as always M

[@HackMusicTheory]

Oh wait, didn't we tell you that was the case?! 😛 Hope you are staying safe and healthy, and drinking lots of tea and making lots of music! K

[@hyungtaecf]

Thank you for the tip! I always used the other approaches you taught about bass, the bass lines itself always sound really great, but many times it sounds like the song is without foundation, so 80/20 is the solution! Thank you so much!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Always happy to help, Hyungtae! We really appreciate you being here in the Hack Music Theory community, and we hope this finds you safe and healthy :)

[@camilomendez1350]

pure gold guys! Thank's a lot!

[@rhlaggarwal258]

Gonna try this one for sure. Thanks ! Happy to subscribe

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey hey Rahul, thank you sincerely for subscribing, we truly appreciate you being in the Hack Music Theory community! Hope this finds you safe and healthy :)

[@pavlobudiak6935]

Wow, great job! Your example reminded me how base line is written in “Blinding lights” and there it sounds awesome, and it’s one of the most listened songs.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Thanks, Pavlo, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make? Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@anthonyscott16]

Never quite looked at it in that way. Great lesson. Thanks!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey Anthony, happy to hear this lesson make you look at bass lines in a different way! Yay! As always, we're so grateful to have you in the Hack Music Theory community. Hope you're safe and healthy, take care :)

[@pedromooniz2340]

Best music channel on KZbin. Thank you so much! I guess I’ll be awake the whole night

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hi Pedro, you're too kind, thank you :) Were you up the whole night then?! What kind of music do you make? Thanks big time for watching and connecting, we wish you a great weekend!

[@hailerino]

Been learning how to play bass lately, this definitely helps!!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Awesome, happy to help, Boring Shampoo, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music are you into? Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@JimMonsanto]

What a difference that made! I'm going to really keep this advice in mind in my future compositions! Thank you!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Happy to hear it, Jim, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make? Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@JimMonsanto]

@@HackMusicTheory I mainly write for quartet. I play violin and a friend of mine plays cello, so I started noodling with musescore to make little duets. Since I can add more than just us two, I started adding in a second violin and a viola. I always feel like I write the base parts too boring, or flip with my cellist and give her the melody while I play a soft backing--then it's too complex for the softer sound of the cello to shine through. This 80/20 rule really helps make a nice baseline that won't be boring but will let the cello shine, too. Thanks again for the great advice!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Awesome Jim, thanks for sharing! We really appreciate you being here, and are cheering you on in your music making journey! Have a great weekend :)

[@baroufess]

I always find peace just by listening to you both.You should make a video on how to achieve this kind of peace of mind.Thanks for the fabulous videos.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aww, Kostagiannis, what a lovely thing to say, thank you! The answer is simple, years of daily meditation :D How are you doing, are you finding time to make music? Hope this finds you happy and healthy :)

[@bobrobertsNotUrBob]

Thanks, hope you two are happy and safe..blessings all round

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aww thank you Bob, that's very kind and thoughtful of you! We hope this also finds you safe and happy 😊

[@thewormsarehungry]

Great video as always, thank you!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Happy to hear you enjoyed it, rainingdry! Thanks big time for your support, we look forward to seeing you again for our next hack. Until then take good care :)

[@chroniclesofalpha]

Absolutely love this!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Awww thank you sincerely Alpha, we're so stoked to hear you loved our 80/20 Bass Rule! Thanks big time for being in the Hack Music Theory community, we truly appreciate you! Hope you're staying safe and healthy out there :)

[@connorverrall8873]

You guys are awesome, love the spice

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aww thanks so much Connor, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make? Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@questioneverything9761]

These concentrated tidbits of info is just the right amount to digest. Especially for a beginner like myself. Compared to other vids I feel like I learn a lot more and stay engaged in HMT vids. It all makes sense when you see their resume which is in the free PDF,

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aw thank you sincerely, it means a lot to us that our teachings are resonating with you, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community, we really appreciate you being here! Hope this finds you and your family all safe and healthy :)

[@bhargavchavda1478]

Amazing explanation , thank you

[@birranamusik6077]

I can't believe i just saw this video....the content...the way you guys explain and complement each other....very great and gamechanger!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aww thanks so much birraña musik, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make? Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@taunado]

Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge in a practical and digestible way. Love your free Music Theory ebook - brilliantly simple. Much love from Cape Town :D

[@taunado]

I look forward to the Songwriting and Producing PDF

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aww thanks for your kind words Taun, we're thrilled to hear our teachings are hitting the spot! What kind of music do you make? Hope this finds you safe and healthy :) Is SA still in lockdown?

[@HAZARDOUS88]

Thanks so much you two! I love this sound. Hope you're safe and healthy.

[@HackMusicTheory]

As always, it's really good to see you again, HAZARDOUS88. Thanks big time for stopping by and connecting, we appreciate you a LOT!!! Hope this finds you and your family all safe and healthy in these challenging times. Take good care my friend :)

[@HAZARDOUS88]

@@HackMusicTheory Same to you! :D

[@michaelkelly6583]

You guys are brilliant!

[@HackMusicTheory]

You're too kind :)

[@dagmawikassahun1020]

I love you both. Keep going 🙏🏽

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aww, thank you so much, Dagmawi! We really appreciate your love and support. Hope this finds you well, and we're sending you good vibes 🙏

[@0711RC]

Thanks. Love it!

[@ljbythec]

Thank you, Good stuff! Be safe!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hi Lonnie, thanks so much for connecting, we hope this finds you happy and healthy :) We also really appreciate you being in the Hack Music Theory community!

[@mrrafsk]

You peeps are like beautiful. I really appreciate your work, how you express theory with apparent simplicity, covering the magic of music, that is infinitely complex. Thank-you, my world is a bigger place now.

[@harlanochoa]

You guys are awesome!!!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey hey Harlan, lovely to see you again! We'd love to know what kind of music you make? Thanks big time for being a part of the Hack Music Theory community, we really appreciate you :) Take care!

[@zackwingmusic4014]

Good stuff as always guys. Keep it up.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey thanks Zack, really appreciate you being here! Hope this finds you happy and healthy :)

[@MusiKariostv]

NICE VIDEO 🔥🔥🔥 Thanks for sharing information like this is very useful

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey hey DELTA, great to hear from you, and thanks big time for your kind words! Hope this finds you safe and healthy :)

[@nkosinathingema4370]

Thanks for that free book, i wanna start song writing

[@user-je1hi6jy1i]

This channel is a Gem. I swear

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aww, thanks S! Really appreciate you stopping by and connecting, we wish you a lovely week :)

[@Kifon]

absolutely! this channel is amazing!

[@rchrdlxndr]

Appreciate seeing you guys back on youtube. I like the podcasts, but seeing it helps me. Plus it is good to see you guys, rather than just your disembodied voices.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aww thank you sincerely rchrdlxndr, we really appreciate you being here in the Hack Music Theory community! Hope this finds you safe and healthy :)

[@AndrewCawoodiGET]

Hey thanks. You guys are great!!!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Our pleasure, Andrew! Hope this finds you happy and healthy :)

[@mazb2528]

Thanks again for great tips . . . that's really good stuff! But, during the demo at the end - I did miss the little video in the lower corner of you guys head-bangin'! That always makes me happy! :D

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey hey Maz, really good to see you again, thanks big time for stopping by and connecting. We really appreciate you being here in the Hack Music Theory community! Regarding the playthrough at the end of the video, we felt that it was kinda distracting to have us dancing in the corner of the screen haha, so we took it out. Sorry! Hope this finds you and your family all safe and healthy :)

[@mazb2528]

Not a big deal! I think your stuff is amazing! Maybe just send a link of you two bopping around to a great groove - I'll just link over at the end of every hack! :D just kidding - keep up the amazing!

[@mazb2528]

@@HackMusicTheory AND - STAY HEALTHY! Hope you and yours are doing as phenom as your youtube hacks! Best 2U!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aww, thanks Maz :)

[@ergophonic]

I just discovered your channel. You guys are great. Subscribed!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey thanks, DJ Flip-U, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make? Hope this finds you happy and healthy :)

[@BurgardRecords]

Wow man after taking music hacking with vespers in 2017, you've really changed the game in your video production to be very easy to follow and top notch! Subbed!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Yo Mr.X thanks big time for stopping by, and a super warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community, we truly value you being here. And wow, that's absolutely awesome that you took my course back in 2017, thank you, I really appreciate that! Hope this finds you well in these challenging times, and we hope to see you back here on the next video, which will be out next week. Until then, thanks again and take care :)

[@franzposcher8741]

Wow!! I needed this 8o - 20 Thanks..

[@HackMusicTheory]

Franz my friend, hope this finds you and your family all safe and healthy! It's sooooo good to see you again, thanks BIG time for stopping by! Super happy to hear you found our 80/20 Bass Rule useful. Yay!!! By the way, I've been totally overwhelmed with work the last month (since returning to KZbin), so I'm really sorry I haven't got around to listening to your song yet, but I promise I will get to it asap, hopefully this weekend. Thanks for your understanding and patience, and I'll see you over in the apprentice network real soon :)

[@alexanderokhotnikov2675]

Thank you. It' a great idea for the bass line. You are greatest in the world!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aww thanks Alexander, we're happy to hear you enjoyed this one and we really appreciate you being here! Hope this finds you safe and healthy :)

[@christo-j5507]

It's really a great tip to follow!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey hey Christo-J, it always makes us happy to know that our hacks are helping musicians! We hope to see you around for more theory hacks! Until then, happy music making :)

[@catgirlgamer333]

This is great. I never knew it was this simple

[@HackMusicTheory]

Awesome, happy to hear it, Tillo, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make? Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@TheGoodGoodMan]

Thanks!

[@mauriciomanino]

And great video!!! Thanks for this!!!

[@moerahman6749]

This will help me communicate to my bass player what I’m looking for. Thank you!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Awesome, Moe, we're so happy we could help, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music are you guys making? Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@moerahman6749]

@@HackMusicTheory Mostly sample-based hip-hop combined with live instruments. I really appreciate your content because your explanations are clear and concise, as others have mentioned. Thanks again!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Cool Moe, thanks for sharing, and for your kind words! We really appreciate you being here, and are cheering you on in your music making journey! Have a great week :)

[@inakinovellon]

You couple, are fantastic. Thank you.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aww thank you sincerely, Iñaki, we're so grateful to have you here in the Hack Music Theory community! Hope this finds you safe and healthy :)

[@nandakoryaaa1401]

Simple and efficient!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aw thanks Andrei, that's very kind of you! It's really good to see you again, and we hope this finds you and your family all safe and healthy in these challenging times we're living in! Take care my friend, and I look forward to hopefully seeing you again in the comments on the next video :)

[@JC20XX]

This is good advice. Thanks.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Happy to hear it JC, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make? Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@MDGamingPH]

Muse - Hysteria, one of the best songs I've heard that has a crazy Bass line but still sounds cohesive. This video helped me a lot, thank you so much!

[@nathanebbing]

Wow, HMT! I just found you, and I really enjoyed this video! It's nice and fresh to learn from a male / female duo. It's very balanced and complimentary. I can tell you're chill people, and that vegan chilli sounds tasty.... P: I should make some. Thanks for your content. I will def check out your free book. Thanks! ::::)

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aww thanks so much for your kind words, Nathan, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make? And did you make some vegan chili?! Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :) Kate

[@averagedudeusa9722]

Cool Thanks so much! Excellent explanation!!!

[@MarkFreedmanNY]

Great video. Love how you present this.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Thanks so much Mark, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make? Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@MarkFreedmanNY]

@@HackMusicTheory Thanks. I'll be watching all your videos. I've just started making ambient music for my wife's and my new KZbin channel. I've also written 5 pop/rock songs so far. I've never written music before this year, a month or so after I turned 60. But it's been so much fun it's become my new hobby. I actually felt bold enough to post all of it (17 tracks since June) on my SoundCloud page (soundcloud.com/markfreedman). The ambient stuff is mainly made up of looped sections of songs I'll eventually flesh out. I know it's all amateurish so far, but I want to get better at this.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Awesome, thanks for sharing, Mark! We really appreciate you being here, and are cheering you on in your exciting music making journey! Have a fantastic week :)

[@0711RC]

LOVE YOUR MAGIC!!! Thank You.

[@natemarcinek2964]

This is very useful thank you!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Happy to hear it, Nate, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make? Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@natemarcinek2964]

@@HackMusicTheory Thank you! I’m a self taught bassist of a little less than a year and I wanted to learn some theory. I am a little interested in doing some improvisational stuff on the bass and this video is a good start!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Awesome, Nate, thanks for sharing! We're thrilled you're investigating the language of music (aka. theory)! If you haven't already, may we suggest that you check out our free music theory book, '12 Music Theory Hacks to Learn Scales and Chords'? It's a refresher of the basics and it's a super fast and fun read. You can download from our website: HackMusicTheory.com/Books. All the best with your bass playing and we hope to see you again soon for more bass theory hacks! Have a great weekend :)

[@BazzTriton]

You are (really) excellent

[@tjcolatrella943]

I've played guitar over 50 years and now messing with bass find there's more music theory involved to play it properly, not so much with blues but to play well, bass on songs!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Thanks for stopping by and sharing, TJ, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! We're honoured to be a part of your bass adventure :) Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks.

[@elkabeatz135]

Wow. U guys are amazing. Shout out from MADRID🙏🏼

[@HackMusicTheory]

Muchas gracias, Elka Beatz! What kind of music do you make? Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@kmk4960]

Good Video... You guys do a good job making music theory understandable to "would be, wanna be" musicians like myself!!! Thanks the videos are great!!!!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aww thanks so much, anthony, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music are you making? Sending you good vibes :)

[@hulyan8944]

Dayum Pareto principle dominates on music too!! 😌👌🏼

[@dioniciogalarza]

Great video! You seem like very nice folks. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aww thanks so much Dionicio, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make? Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@cloud9savagehenry]

Very helpful. Noted.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Thanks for watching, Desmond, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make? Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@MultiKazimieras]

Great content and business model. +respect

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aww thanks big time, MultiKazimieras! Hope you are happy and healthy :)

[@bisolo8]

Good stuff! Both are great for the arrangement.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Thanks Alexis! What kind of music are you making? Hope this finds you happy and healthy :)

[@bisolo8]

Trap rap and pop music. Yes, this video was informative and validating.

[@artyy00]

Love it!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Thanks for stopping by, Thuxzera, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make? Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@wouter1327]

Thank you very much

[@HackMusicTheory]

Thanks Wouter, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! What kind of music do you make? Take care, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)

[@zainabmalekshad1212]

thank you very much you are amazinggggg

[@chillymac1444]

This is the best advice i'v ever gotten

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey hey Chilly Mac, it always makes us happy to know that our hacks are helping musicians! We hope to see you around soon for more theory hacks, until then, take care :)

[@healumuz]

thank you

[@HackMusicTheory]

And thank you for watching and connecting, lablyss :)

[@sagetajr]

soososososos informative!!!!! thanks!!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Glad it was helpful, sagetajr! Thanks for taking the time to watch and connect, and we hope to see you around for more theory hacks! Until then, happy music making :)

[@musicforsoul123]

Great piece of knowledge..... what about top melody should it follow chords or bassline ?

[@michaelkelly6583]

Absolutely brilliant. You guys are the best!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Michael!! How wonderfully lovely to hear from you! I hope this finds you and Gail happy and healthy. How's this whole thing treating you? Also, how's your music making going these days? K

[@michaelkelly6583]

Hi Kate. We are doing well, and what better thing to do than make music. I’m going to sign up for your course - but with a specific objective in mind. I’ve written a piece with a climatic orchestral part that right now sounds pretty lame. The 80/20 rule was one thing I needed, but there’s much more needed. Most music I write isn’t all that complicated, but this one’s an anthem project. Looking forward to the course. Stay safe you guys. BTW Ray, I’ve started drinking tea. ;-)

[@HackMusicTheory]

Hey Michael, we're relieved to hear you're doing well in this potentially challenging time. A big warm welcome to the Apprenticeship, we're thrilled you're inspired to take your climactic anthem to the next level! And you're right, this is the perfect time to dive deeper into music making :) Ray says congrats on the tea drinking and wants to know what kind? All our best, and enjoy the apprenticeship journey, oh and if you feel like it, feel free to share your work in progress in the apprentice network. We'd love to hear what you're up to :)

[@michaelkelly6583]

Hack Music Theory I’m now on board and enjoyed the introduction. As for tea. It’ll be earl grey all the way for the next 17 lessons. This old guy will be taking his time, but I think I can tackle one per day, plus look for applications in my song. My song (Sonny) is already written so I’ve bounced a start version, then will bounce a completed version based on what I learned from the course. Should be fun, and I’m excited. Cheers from Sudbury to Vancouver.

[@HackMusicTheory]

Yum, I love early grey! That'll go perfectly with a lesson a day :) Looking forward to hearing how you get on! K

[@williamthomas1022]

you are the best, thank you

[@HackMusicTheory]

Aww thanks so much William, and thanks also for being here in the Hack Music Theory community, we really appreciate you! Hope this finds you safe and healthy :)

[@atakanonder4917]

Inspiring!

[@HackMusicTheory]

Happy to hear it, Atakan! Hope this finds you safe and healthy :)

[@zeyy84]

Can you guys do a video on non - diatonic chords in trap and dubstep music? After a year of playing around with music, I noticed in those genres the producers use notes that are outside of the key. I know jazz use altered chords too, but it would be interesting to look at trap or dubstep ish genres

[@petrokovtok]

cool! interesting theme keep it up

[@HackMusicTheory]

Thanks Petro! Really appreciate you stopping by, hope this finds you happy and healthy :)

[@oppositelcr]

I just made a dub-like sub bassline using this tactic, it sounds schweet! Thank you so much

[@HackMusicTheory]

Happy to hear it, Opposite Seer! Hope this finds you well, and we wish you a lovely weekend :)

[@oppositelcr]

@@HackMusicTheory You too!

[@tranquiloguy9199]

As someone who produces Latin music, I found this channel excellent 👌🏼😅

[@HackMusicTheory]

Awesome to hear, thanks so much Tranquilo Guy, and a warm welcome to the Hack Music Theory community! We're cheering you on in your music making journey, and we hope to see you again soon for more theory hacks :)